Bromsgrove & Redditch Welcome Refugees is a community group of people preparing to welcome and support Syrian refugees locally. We're seeking volunteers to help give furniture, clothes, some essential supplies, translation etc, plus, very importantly, friendship.

You can now donate to our Not For Profit organisation via PayPal. Thank you for your generosity.

Facts about the Syrian conflict

Since March 2011

Death toll 400,000

Political prisoners 150,000

Over 17,723 Syrians killed in regime prisons by torture, starvation and execution

50% of Syria's population displaced by the conflict: 6 million internally displaced, 5 million refugees

The Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme

The refugees admitted under the SVPR scheme will be granted five years’ Humanitarian Protection including the right to work, eligibility for welfare benefits, access to statutory services such as health and education, as well as the right to apply for family reunification. It is operating in conjunction with the UNHCR, who are helping the government identify those individuals who are most vulnerable and cannot be adequately protected in the region.

How can we all help?

We believe that the council will provide housing, education, health, welfare etc support with funds from Central Government. However, extra support will be needed for furniture, clothes, some essential supplies, translation etc, plus, very importantly, friendship. Our group is open to all, of all faiths and none, and all political persuasions and none. We call on all citizens of Bromsgrove and Redditch to join us in this work.

We are looking at making a list of volunteers and noting any particular skills they may have: interpreters, practical house maintenance, knowledge of various services within the community, etc. We plan to open an account so donations can be made to supplement the welfare needs as appropriate and fund our work as necessary.

Perhaps our biggest challenge as individuals, when refugees arrive, is to offer ongoing friendship, support and encouragement, show them around and help them assimilate into our community.Get involved today